A review of the current evidence on the sensitivity and specificity of the Ipswich touch test for the screening of loss of protective sensation in patients with diabetes mellitus

Aims: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Ipswich touch test for the screening of loss of protective sensation in patients with diabetes mellitus based on the current literature.

Methods: Three electronic databases were searched for eligible studies that investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the Ipswich touch test. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results: Five studies that reported the sensitivity and specificity of the Ipswich touch test were included. When compared to the 10 g monofilament, the sensitivity ranges from 51 to 83.3% and the specificity ranges from 96.4 to 98%. When compared to the vibration perception test ≥25 V, Ipswich touch test sensitivity ranges from 76 to 100% and specificity ranges from 90 to 96.6%.

Conclusions: The Ipswich touch test has a high specificity in screening for loss of protective sensation in the feet of patients with diabetes mellitus. It is a useful test to be included in diabetic foot screenings, especially when other sensory tools are not available. However, more rigorous studies need to be conducted as there is currently only a limited pool of research evidence to substantiate it as a screening tool for loss of protective sensation in the diabetic foot.